Press release

Thu, Jan 3rd 2013 04:15 pm

Charities respond to attorney general's
questions on use of donations; $400 million reported raised

Disclosure seeks to promote transparency and
donor confidence

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has announced that his
office has posted information online detailing charitable donations raised for
Hurricane Sandy relief. To date, 88 charities have responded to surveys sent by
the attorney general's charities bureau requesting information on amounts
raised and spent for Hurricane Sandy relief in New York, the services and
grants provided and plans for any surplus funds.

"The generosity of the public and the hard work of
charities in response to Hurricane Sandy is inspiring. As we continue to
monitor charitable activities related to Sandy relief, it is essential that
nonprofit organizations operate in the most transparent way possible," Schneiderman said.

The 88 charities that have responded to the survey reported
raising approximately $400 million for Hurricane Sandy relief. The five
charities reporting the most contributions and pledges are:

American Red Cross

$188 million

Robin Hood Foundation

$67 million

The Mayor's Fund to Advance New
York City

$45 million

Empire State Relief Fund

$15.4 million

The Salvation Army, USA Eastern
Territory

$14.3 million

In total, these five organizations reported raising
approximately $330 million for Hurricane Sandy relief. The other 83
organizations reported raising $77 million; a small portion of this amount
includes grants from other organizations on the list, which means some money is
reported twice.

The charities bureau will request updated information and
post it online in the upcoming months. It also plans on seeking more detailed
information on fundraising and spending as it continues its review.

Any complaints concerning charitable activities relating to
Hurricane Sandy should be sent to the charities bureau's dedicated Hurricane
Sandy email address: [email protected].

Tips for donors supporting Hurricane Sandy relief, as well as
financial reports of charities, are available on Attorney General
Schneiderman's website, at www.charitiesnys.com.